MLB Player News

Yarbrough is expected to be deployed as a bulk reliever in Thursday's game versus the Angels, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ryan Burr will be the Blue Jays' opening pitcher, but it will be Yarbrough who is likely to cover most of the innings. The left-hander hasn't gone more than two innings in any of his first four appearances with Toronto, but he lasted three-plus innings in eight of his 32 outings earlier this season with the Dodgers.

Burr will serve as the Blue Jays' opening pitcher in Thursday's game versus the Angels, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Burr will draw his first opener assignment of the season after delivering a 5.40 ERA and a 23:8 K:BB over 18.1 innings out of the bullpen. Ryan Yarbrough is expected to follow Burr as the bulk reliever.

Soroka (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Friday and could be sent on a rehab assignment immediately after, MLB.com reports.

Soroka has been sidelined since July 14 but has ramped up his activity in the last week by throwing bullpen sessions. He was pitching in a multi-inning relief role before going down with the injury, so he may need a few rehab appearances before returning.

Martinez came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 11-7 win over the Blue Jays, coughing up six runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

All the damage off the right-hander came as a result of home runs, as George Springer and Spencer Horwitz took Martinez deep in the first inning before Ernie Clement launched a three-run shot in the third. It was the first time all season Martinez has served up multiple long balls in a game, and the first time he's been tagged for more than three runs since May 22. Since returning to the rotation in early August, the 34-year-old has posted a 3.63 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB through 22.1 innings, and he'll look to bounce back in his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the A's.

Rodriguez picked up the save over the Athletics on Wednesday, striking out one over a perfect ninth inning.

Rodriguez took over with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and needed nine pitches to get through the leadoff batter before ultimately retiring the side in order for his first save of the campaign. Rodriguez now appears to be working in a closer-by-committee situation since Pete Fairbanks is on the injured list due to a lat strain, as Edwin Uceta recorded the Rays' previous save on Aug. 20. The 28-year-old right-hander has yet to allow a run in August, posting a 10:3 K:BB over that seven-inning stretch (eight appearances).

Erceg picked up the save over the Angels on Wednesday, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

Erceg again looked the part after assuming close duties with a three-run lead in the ninth Wednesday, striking out the first two batters he faced before getting Jo Adell to line out to end the game. The right-hander has converted each of his three save opportunities with Kansas City and has yet to allow any runs since being acquired by his new club at the end of July. Over his nine outings (10.1 innings) with the Royals, Erceg has posted a 14:0 K:BB, recording double-digit strikeouts in five separate appearances in that span.

Martinez earned a save against the Marlins on Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 1.2 innings.

Martinez was called upon in the eighth inning with the Diamondbacks clinging to a one-run lead and the tying run on second base with one out. He struck out Xavier Edwards and got Geraldo Perdomo to fly out to escape the threat, then returned in the bottom of the ninth after Arizona put up two runs in the top half of the frame. Martinez made things interesting by surrendering a run and allowing the tying run to get to second base on a two-out wild pitch, but the rookie closer ultimately slammed the door with a game-ending strikeout. He's notched a save on consecutive days for the first time in his big-league career and remains the team's top option for save chances with Paul Sewald at least temporarily moved out of the closer role.

Miller (3-4) allowed three runs on a hit and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Wednesday versus the White Sox.

Miller loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning, and Spencer Bivens allowed all three of those runners to score. That left Miller with his first loss since July 22. The southpaw has allowed eight runs over 12 innings since the All-Star break, adding an 18:10 K:BB in that span. He's now at a 3.93 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 66:32 K:BB with 12 holds and three blown saves over 55 innings this season. He's earned just one hold since the start of July, so he's not currently in the mix for steady high-leverage chances.

Dominguez (3-4) allowed a run on one hit and struck out one over one-third of an inning to take the loss Wednesday versus the Mets.

Dominguez will be happy to leave Citi Field, as he's taken two walk-off losses during the Orioles' three-game series in Queens. Jesse Winker delivered the decisive solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to send Dominguez to his second straight loss. The right-hander is now at a 4.40 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 55:15 K:BB through 47 innings this year. He's added four saves and five holds, and while he's been the Orioles' top closing option in August, that could change quickly if he doesn't correct course from his current slump.

Megill (0-3) took the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Cardinals, allowing four runs (three earned) on a hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning.

Megill got the last out of the ninth inning, but he loaded the bases with one out in the 10th and Nolan Arenado cashed in for a walk-off grand slam. This was Megill's first appearance since July 23 after he missed four weeks with a back injury. The right-hander has a 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 40:10 K:BB over 34.1 innings this season. He added 20 saves, two blown saves and three holds while functioning as the closer in the first half, but Devin Williams is in that role now, so Megill will likely fill a setup role.